Author: admin

ISLAMABAD : A local court on Tuesday extended the interim bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, in six cases until February 11. Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Mujoka heard the bail applications. Lawyers Ansar Kiani and Shamsa Kiani represented Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in court. During the hearing, Ansar Kiani requested an exemption from Bushra Bibi’s appearance, citing her imprisonment in the £190 million case and proposing her attendance via video link from Adiala Jail. The judge granted the request for exemption and noted that hearings for cases under PECA (Prevention of…

Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr Musadik Malik held a press conference on Monday to address concerns about gas pricing and explain the government’s initiatives aimed at easing economic challenges. The minister revealed that discussions have been held with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to introduce uniform gas rates for industries across the country. He highlighted disparities in gas pricing, stating, “One factory is receiving cheap gas while another pays higher rates. This imbalance is unfair and must be addressed.” In the first phase of this plan, the price of gas for industries has been increased from Rs3,000 to Rs3,500 per…

Journalists and media workers across Pakistan, under the leadership of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), are all set to stage protests and rallies on Tuesday against the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act Amendment Bill. The nationwide demonstrations, supported by the Joint Action Committee of journalist organisations, are aimed at opposing what they have labelled a “draconian law” designed to suppress freedom of expression and press. The JAC has vowed to wage a vigorous public and legal struggle against the controversial bill. Key concerns of journalists PFUJ President Afzal Butt, addressing journalists, declared the PECA Amendment Bill a…

The government is reportedly considering a significant reduction in tax rates on property transactions, particularly for high-value properties, in a move aimed at revitalising the property market.  According to sources, the proposed changes include a major cut in taxes on properties worth more than Rs100 million, as well as a reduction in advance tax for filers from the current 4% to just 0.5%. Sources reveal that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has already begun working on proposals to implement these tax reductions. The PM has also reportedly directed authorities to expedite the process, emphasising the need to create a…

The Finance Ministry has issued a clarification regarding family pension rules, stating that young children eligible for family pension will now receive financial support until the age of 21. The Finance Ministry has issued a clarification notification regarding family pensions. The new directive, already outlined in an office memorandum dated September 10, 2024, came into effect immediately on the same date. According to the ministry, the eligibility criteria for family pension, which were formulated on October 23, 2023, will remain in effect, and children will receive pension as per the preferential criteria. The memorandum specifies that the updated rules will…

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a Chinese New Year card in return to friends in the U.S. state of Iowa, saying that China and the United States share extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation and can become partners and friends. Xi said in the reply card that the warm reception he received when he visited the beautiful state of Iowa 40 years ago is still fresh in his memory. China and the United States can achieve mutual success and common prosperity for the benefit of both countries and the world at large, Xi said. The Chinese…

China Media Group (CMG) held a “Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala” event in French capital Paris on Friday. Shen Haixiong, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and president of CMG, delivered a video address highlighting the global recognition of the Spring Festival. Shen noted that the festival, which was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List last year, has become a major celebration worldwide. CMG President Shen Haixiong delivers a video address at a “Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala” event in Paris, France, January 24, 2025. /CMG Shen highlighted that…

China’s Spring Festival box office is seeing significant gains with cinema-goers breaking previous records for the Chinese film industry, according to box office data tracker Dengta. The total domestic box office revenue for the 2025 Spring Festival season including ticket pre-sales surged to 808 million yuan ($111.3 million) as of Monday, with Chinese films dominating. All of the top six are set for release on January 29, the first day of Chinese New Year. A series of promotional posters for film releases during the Spring Festival period, January 27, 2025. /VCG Topping the list, “Legends of the Condor Heroes: The…

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday noted solid progress the country has made in advancing Chinese modernization amid “complex and challenging” situations over the past 12 months at a high-level reception to ring in the Chinese New Year. “In the Year of the Dragon, we demonstrated vitality and a can-do spirit. We endured storms and saw the rainbow,” said Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission. Faced with complex and challenging situations, China responded with composure and implemented a range of comprehensive measures, overcame difficulties…

ISLAMABAD (DI NEWS) : Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, Atadjan Movlamov said that Turkmenistan viewed the upcoming Year of Peace and Trust, 2025, as the crucial period in the humanization of international relations. Turkmenistan considers the decision to declare 2025 as the ‘International Year of Peace and Trust’ as a global-scale event and a genuine opportunity for a qualitative transition to a new stage in international relations, the Ambassador said. Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Pakistan, Atadjan Movlamov said this while talking to the mediaman in the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Islamabad. He said that based on this, during the 78th…